This summer you can take a wine and culinary whirl around the world right here in your own backyard.

For a second year, Skopelos at New World is opening its Grand Ballroom for guests to experience “Flavors from Around the World,” offering more than 125 wines, a selection of spirits, and a feast inspired by the unique cuisines found around the globe.

In addition to national wines and spirits, selections from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia will be spotlighted at the Skopelos Wine, Spirit & Food Festival, which is from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 29.

“Our unique approach to the Wine Festival has been to showcase not only the wines from those countries and regions but also the indigenous food from (the areas),” said Gus Silivos, executive chef and director of operations at Skopelos.

Executive Chef Gus Silivos works the crowd at the 2017 Skopelos Wine, Spirit & Food Festival. This year's event is from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 29, in the Grand Ballroom.(Photo11: Special to the News Journal)

Silivos and his team are preparing two to three dishes to represent each country, including at least one vegan dish. Gluten-free foods will also be included.

“By popular demand, this year we are also including vegan dishes and biodynamic wines,” said Silivos.

Arianne Pearce, who oversees marketing for Skopelos and its sister restaurants, said the event will offer more flavors across the board, not only with new and fresh seafood and meat dishes, but the chefs are taking a fun and creative approach to the vegan and gluten-free foods.

“... That’s something that always surprises people. Many assume that all wines are vegan. They’re actually not, so we’re happy to have these experts on hand to talk about it and showcase some of the future-thinking wines too,” she said.

A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, as well as entire proceeds from bottle sales. Each wine and spirit featured during the festival will be available for purchase at a special price.

“This was a popular element that we had last year, being able to take home a bottle of something you’re not going to find a local store,” said Pearce.

Participants enjoy the 2017 Skopelos Wine, Spirit & Food Festival. This year's event is from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 29, in the Grand Ballroom.(Photo11: Special to the News Journal)

As far as the food, there is an array of flavors planned for festival-goers to experience.

“Our chefs have really sought to find the heart of every area of the world,” Pearce said. “It’s an exciting combination of every kind of food you could imagine from around the world, with one of Pensacola’s celebrity chefs leading the way. When else can you have that kind of experience in Pensacola?”

“We always want to be a place where people feel like they can come together and find their favorite dish no matter their eating preference, and we’re continuing that feeling with this year’s fest,” Pearce said.

Guests will also have the chance to enter raffles for prizes from local businesses during the event.

Advance tickets cost $55, plus tax, and can be purchased at Skopelos at New World; by calling 850-432-6565; and online at skopelosfest2018.eventbrite.com. Online purchases through Eventbrite are subject to an additional fee.

Tickets may be purchased the day of the event for $65, plus tax, as space allows. Guests must be 21 years old or older.